FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - There's more to Fighter Z Academy's video game design classes than making your own game: co-owner Tyreese Bailey says it's about making friends and giving kids in Fresno an opportunity to reach their full potential while doing something they love. Bailey says if he had not received a push from his mother to take a web design class, he would never have created the Fighter Z Academy. Want to be a Power Ranger? Original costumes, props up for auction According to Bailey, his mother was offered a scholarship by a non-profit that allowed Bailey's twin brother to take a web design, but Bailey had no interest in taking the class. "My mom was like, 'You have to take the class.' Because my brother didn't want to take the class by himself," Bailey said. "I definitely wasn't going to tell my mom no." Once Bailey and his brother were in the class, Bailey says he fell in love with the material and was eager to take the second class in the program. His mother paid for the second class. "My mom forced me to take that class but it changed my life," Bailey said. "I'm really happy she did that." Tyreese Baily then showed off his newly learned skills to his young nephew, including how to design a video game using the M.U.G.E.N. game engine. He found that his nephew was a talented game designer. "It was amazing," Bailey said. His nephew went on to create a 2-D fighting game with one-of-a-kind music, characters and more. Bailey then taught his younger cousin, Trevor Edwards, which led to the start of the two-week mentorship program, Fighter Z Academy. Together, Tyreese Baily and Trevor Edwards began teaching kids ages seven and older the very same skills. "In my classes, we're all family," Tyreese Baily said. "There's no bullying. We definitely shake hands after each battle." Trevor Edwards says since teaching with his older cousin, his social skills have improved and he's also stepped into a mentor role for many younger kids. Edwards says he is proud to have worked his way up to co-owner of Fighter Z Academy, teaching kids skills that will change their lives. "They don't have to be on the streets fighting each other," Edwards said. "Play the game and 'fight' against one another."